Dry cleaning recovery unit

ABSTRACT

A dry cleaning liquid recovery unit which can be used integrally with a dry cleaning system, or as a separate stripping, drying and recovery unit to effectuate liquid recovery and rapid drying of fabrics and clothes placed therein without creasing. The recovery unit has an improved thermal heating unit which can be converted to a cooling unit for cooling the circulating air which allows the garments or fabrics in the recovery unit to be cooled down prior to removal and extended piling thereof.

United States Patent 11 1 Hyams June 12, 1973 DRY CLEANING RECOVERY UNIT [75] Inventor: Robert F. Hyams, Santa Ana, Calif. Z' P g'g SSlS an xammer- 1 1p 0e [73] Assignee: Systemation, Inc., Santa Ana, Calif. At Ge01- F, Bethe] [22] Filed: Jan. 29, 1971 21 Appl. No.2 111,047 [57] ABSTRACT A dry cleaning liquid recovery unit which can be used integrally with a dry cleaning system, or as a separate 2% g ggg ggg gkg i g stripping, drying and recovery unit to effectuate liquid h 68 C 18 recovery and rapid drying of fabrics and clothes placed 1 0 l therein without creasin The recover unit has an improved thermal heating unit which can be converted to v a cooling unit for cooling the circulating air which al- [56] Reerences cued lows the garments or fabrics in the recovery unit to be UNITED STATES PATENTS cooled down prior to removal and extended piling 2,689,413 9/1954 Kachuck 68/18 C X thereof. 3,002,287 10/1961 Smith 68/18 c x 3,451,234 6/1969 Palmer 68/18 c 3 Claims, 5 Drawmg Figures PAIENTEU JUN! 2 5 I NVENTOR.

ROBERT F. HYAMS GEORGE F. BETHEL ATTORNEY INVENTOR.

ROBERT F. HYAMS GEORGE F. BETHEL ATTORNEY 1 DRY CLEANING RECOVERY UNIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The field of this invention lies within the dry cleaning art.

. 2. Description of the Prior Art The dry cleaning industry places fabrics, garments, or other textile materials in a rotating basket within a receptacle having dry cleaning liquid. The liquid can be supplemented with a small amount of soap and water.

The receptacle is usually connected to a series of storage or holding tanks which serve to retain different mixes and formulations of cleaning fluid. A pump is provided for moving the dry cleaning liquid from the receptacle to the storage tanks. The pump can be utilized for other duties, or additional pumps can be added to circulate the dry cleaning liquid for such purposes as distillation and filtering.

After dry cleaning, it is desirable to strip or remove the dry cleaning liquid from the clothes in an expeditious manner. The dry cleaning liquid is expensive and should be recovered for future use. In recovering dry cleaning fluid from clothes, fabrics or textile materials, which are being dried, the recovery may take place in a receptacle within the same system as the cleaning took place. Specifically, the receptacle and basket which hold the garments during the cleaning process can also be utilized for a dryer and a dry cleaning liquid recovery unit.

Often, the dry cleaning liquid recovery unit comprises a different receptacle and rotating basket with its own recovery system extrinsic to the dry cleaning system. In such a case, the clothes must be removed from the dry cleaning receptacle and placed in the recovery receptacle.

In either of the foregoing instances liquid recovery is generally provided by two heat exchangers for condensation of entrained liquid. The receptacle is connected to a forced draft blower or fan which draws the air having the entrained dry cleaning fluid therein from the receptacle. As the air is drawn from the receptacle, it is generally passed through a lint bag or air filter to remove any dust or lint entrained in the air. The air is then'passed over a condensor coil or heat exchanger which serves to cool the air which has been placed in a previously heated condition.

Prior to the air being delivered to the receptacle by the blower, it is passed over a heat exchanger which is generally served from a steam source, to heat the air above ambient. The air is heated sufficiently to penneate the clothing and partially volatilize the dry cleaning liquid. The heated air also serves to dry the garments or fabrics in a normal manner. When the dry cleaning liquid entrained in the heated air impinges on the cooling coils, the entrained fluid is condensed. The condensed fluid is allowed to drain out through an exit at the bottom of the condensor which serves as a sump.

The heated air which ispassed over and through the fabrics forms a high amount of latent heat therein inasmuch as the fabrics are heated as well as thesurrounding apparatus. When the fabrics pile up or remain in the position in which they are placed, the latent heat creases the fabrics in the position in which they are placed. As can be appreciated, when garments are left in the basket or removed to another position, the latent heat therein will crease them in a rumpled manner. It is this specific problem which this invention eliminates.

Furthermore, as is well known, many clothes have what is known as a permanent press finish or are of a particular kind of fabric that will acquire a memory once pressed. The memory of a permanent pressed fabric or finish is often destroyed or ruined due to the fact that the heated fabrics are allowed to pile up and crease in an undesirable manner. However, this invention eliminates the problem.

This invention incorporates a thermal cooldown process which cools the clothes to an acceptable temperature prior to piling up and rumpling. The garments can be cooled down below normal room temperature much faster than present methods. The cooling gives the garments a much better wrinkle-free finish, virtually eliminating heat and basket wrinkles.

The prior art has relied upon steam cabinets and form finishers to produce a more acceptable garment due to the foregoing problem. However, this invention has substantially eliminated the need for steam cabinets and form finishers. Additionally, the thermal cooldown process of this invention helps to increase the life of the dry cleaning liquid inasmuch as cooler air tends to hold less solvent vapors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention generally comprises a cleaning liquid recovery unit which helps to eliminate wrinkles by removing latent heat within the unit and garments being processed therein.

Specifically, the invention comprises a recovery unit which has a lint trip and blower for driving the air with entrained dry cleaning liquid in it through the system. The air with the dry cleaning fluid in it is diverted through a condensor, which serves to remove the dry cleaning fluid from the air and strip it from the fabrics and garments which are within the recovery unit.

As an adjunct to the condensor, a second series of coils are provided for heating the air with the entrained dry cleaning fluid therein for improved condensation by the condensor. Additionally, the second series of coils are connected to a source of coolant which serves to drive the latent heat from the coils and further provides a cooling surface over which the air within the recovery unit can be cooled. This invention relates to the method and apparatus for such cooling and will refer to the cooling provided by the second series of coils forming the combination heating and cooling unit as a thermal cooldown process. The thermal cooldown process effectively cools the air circulating through the recovery unit after substantial stripping and condensation of the entrained dry cleaning fluid has taken place so that the garments or fabrics will be cooled sufficiently to avoid creases when stacked or piled for an extended period of time.

BRIEF DSCRIPIION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a complete dry cleaning system incorporating the recovery unit of this invention;

FIG. 2 shows a view of the system shown in FIG. 1 along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 with the panels removed therefrom; v

FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2 along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially fragmented perspective view of the recovery unit of this invention looking from the rear of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmented closed view of the recovery unit of this invention showing a piping and valving scheme that can be utilized therewith.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Looking specifically at FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a main frame of a dry cleaning system 12 is shown supporting the elements of the system. The frame 10 serves to house a series of storage tanks 13, 14 and 15 which are partitioned internally of the frame and not shown. The storage tanks have a number of view glasses 16, 18 and 20 for indicating the specific amounts of dry cleaning liquid which are retained in the respective tanks.

On the face of the dry cleaning machine is a panel 22 which covers the recovery unit 24, the still condenser 26, and other elements beneath the foregoing members.

As in most standard cleaning processes, a receptacle 28 with a rotatable basket 30 therein, is provided with an opening 32 to permit placement of fabrics, garments and other textiles to be cleaned in the basket. The opening 32 is covered with a door frame 34 supporting a door 36 having a handle 38 for locking and holding the door in place. The door 36 has a clear pane 40 for observing the cleaning action and is hinged at points 42 and 44.

The rotating basket 30 is driven about its axis by two motors 46 and 48. The motor 46 is a high speed motor for rotating the basket 30 during periods when dry cleaning liquid is to be centrifuged from the materials placed therein. The other motor 48 is a low speed motor for rotating the basket 30 during periods when the contents of the basket are to be merely moved with respect to the dry cleaning fluid placed therein. Both motors drive the basket by means of a spindle 50 connected to a belt 52.

In order to effectively deliver the dry cleaning liquid stored in the respective tanks 13, 14, and 15, it is necessary to have a pump. The pump can deliver the dry cleaning fluid from the tanks as well as serving the rest of the system. However, in this embodiment a series of pumps 54 and 56 pump the fluid from the storage tanks 13, 14 and 15. The pumps 54 and 56 are connected to the respective storage tanks and have outlets connected to pipes 58 and 60 respectively which lead into the receptacle 28. The receptacle 28 receives the fluid and uses it in the agitation and cleaning of the materials within the receptacle.

In order to further service the system, a pump 62 is provided with an outlet line 64 leading to other portions of the system. The system incorporates a filter 66 which filters out impurities which have been entrained in the dry cleaning liquid. A still condensor 26 condenses the dry cleaning liquid which is to be refreshed. In order to distill the dry cleaning liquid a still 70 is provided which heats and distills the dry cleaning liquid so that it will be condensed and refreshed for later use in the system. To store the refreshed dry cleaning fluid which has been distilled, two distillation storage tanks 72 and 74 are provided having respective sight glasses 76 and 78. The refreshed fluid which is held in the tanks 74 and 76 can be delivered to the receptacle 28 for further use in the dry cleaning process, or may be stored while other liquids from the tanks 13, 14 or 15 are utilized.

During the cleaning process a soap injector 80 can be utilized to supply soap through lines 82 and 84 so that effective soaping and detergent action can take place to remove soiling elements which might not be removed by dry cleaning fluid.

It is common to control the entire operation of the system by means of a board having a number of switches 92 thereon for manual control of the system. An automatic control is also provided by a readout device 94 having a card 96 which passes therethrough. The readout of the card 96 occurs as the card moves downwardly in a timed incremental manner through the readout device 94. A series of openings and closures in the card permit a series of contacts to either pass through the card or be displaced thereby thus effectively signaling different functions through the entire system. Relays and controls are provided to respond to the spaces and closures in the card 96.

In order to monitor the functions of the system, a control panel 98 is provided. The control panel 98 has a series of dials 100 which provide the operator with a visual display of those functions occurring within the dry cleaning system.

Looking more specifically at FIGS. 4 and 5, a recovery unit 24 is shown mounted on the garment receptacle 28. The recovery unit 24 has an outlet duct and an inlet duct 112. The outlet duct 110 is connected to a lint trap or bag filter housing 114 which supports a filter bag or lint trap 116 which is supported on a plate 120 which is connected to the filter bag 116. The filter bag 116 is rigidified by a wire mesh so that it is always placed in an extended relationship to allow for maximum passage of air from the receptacle outlet 110. The air passing from the receptacle outlet duct 110 through the lint bag housing 114 is driven out of the lint bag housing 114 by a blower 122 which is formed from a blower housing 124, a fan which is not shown, and is driven by a motor 126. The blower housing 124 is connected to a heat exchanger housing 128 which houses the heat exchange means which shall be described in detail.

A first heat exchanger 130 is provided comprising a series of coils 132 supporting a series of plates 134 which act as a condenser so that any dry cleaning liquid which has been entrained in the air moving over the condensing coils 132 will impinge upon a cool surface to be condensed into a liquid. The condensed dry cleaning liquid which impinges against the cooling heat exchange surfaces 134 is allowed to drop by gravity to a sump 136 in the bottom of the heat exchange housing 128. The sump 136 is connected to a pipe 138 leading therefrom which serves to allow the fluid in the bottom of the sump 136 to flow outwardly.

A second heat exchanger 140 is provided comprising a series of coils 142 which pass through a series of heat exchange plates 144. The heat exchange plates 144 serve to provide a large surface for contacting the air flowing thereover. As the air leaves the second heat exchanger 140 it flows downwardly through a duct 146 to the inlet duct 112 of the receptacle. A baffle 148 is placed between the first heat exchanger 130 and the second heat exchanger 140, to prevent flow through the heat exchange housing 128 in a lateral manner.

A flap 150, supported on a spindle 152 is provided, so that the flap can be rotated about its axis. The baffle 148 extends downwardly along the side of the heat exchange plates 134 such that the flow through the heat exchange plates is over a wider area downwardly toward the sump region, to the second heat exchanger 140.

When the flap 150 is rotated about its axis from the vertical position as shown, to a horizontal position, it prevents flow from the first heat exchanger 130 to the second heat exchanger 140. This prevents the air driven from the mouth of the blower 122 from passing through the duct 146. A series of vents 156 and 158 are provided so that when the flap 150 is in the horizontal position it will cause air being driven by the blower 122 to be drawn outwardly through the opening 156. In this mode the intake of the blower 122 draws air inwardly through the opening 158.

Looking more specifically at FIG. 5 in conjunction with the remaining figures, a series of pipes 160 are shown. The series of pipes comprise a means for delivering hot and cold heat exchange fluids to the heat exchangers 130 and 140. The coils of the heat exchangers 130 and 140 are connected so that collant can be supplied to the condensor coils 132 of the heat exchanger 130. The connection is made by means of an elbow 162 which is connected to an extension of the coils 164. The elbow 162 is connected to a pipe 166 which is in turn connected to a coolant line 168. When coolant is flowing through line 168 it is delivered to the heat exchanger 130 for circulation through the coils 132 of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has an outlet extension 170 which is connected to an elbow 172 and then to an outlet pipe 174 connected to a coolant outlet pipe 176 at a T 178.

The heat exchanger 140 has an inlet extension 180 connected to an inlet elbow 182 which is connected to an inlet pipe 184 for the second heat exchanger. The inlet pipe 184 is connected through a T 198 to a pipe 200 and an elbow 202 to another pipe 204. An outlet extension 186 is provided from the heat exchanger 140 so that the flow fromthe coils 142 of the heat exchanger can flow outwardly to an elbow 188 which is in turn connected to an outlet pipe 190. The outlet pipe 190 is connected through a T 192 to a connector pipe 194 which leads to a general outlet pipe 195 through an elbow 196.

Within each pipe 168, 204, 176 and 195 respectively, are a series ofvalves 208, 210, 212 and 214. The valves are all operably connected to respective lever arms 216, 218, 220 and 224 which in turn are connected to a rod 226 served by a switching servo 228. In this manner the rod 226 can be actuated in a vertical manner to operate the valves 208, 210, 212 and 214 so that they are in the open or closed relationship as shown.

In operation, garments,fabrics, or othe textiles are cleaned in the rotating basket 30 and then spin dried by the high-speed motor 46 turning the basket 30 to centrifuge the liquid dry cleaning liquid out of the fabrics. As can be appreciated, a substantial amount of dry cleaning liquid remains within the fabrics and receptacle 28. To recover such dry cleaning liquid a recovery process is initiated within either the system as shown, or the clothes are removed from the basket 30 and placed in a separate recovery unit.

During the recovery operation, the blower 126 forces hot air through the recovery unit duct 146 to the inlet duct 112 of the receptacle, and then through the receptacle 28 and the outlet duct 110. The air which is drawn through the duct 146 is heated by the heat exchanger 140 which is served by lines 184 and 190 for the inlet and outlet of steam respectively, which is supplied from a source of steam through pipe 204.

The hot air passing over the heat exchanger 140 down through the duct 146 and into the receptacle 30 effectively volitalizes the dry cleaning liquid within the clothes that are within the receptalce. The volitalized liquid is entrained within the air so that it passes out through the outlet duct 1 10. The air with the volitalized dry cleaning liquid passes through the lint trap or bag filter 116 and is then forced by the blower 122 into contact with the heat exchanger through a filter pad 111 so that the condensing coils 132 thereof can dramatically cool the air and any entrained liquid therein. As can be appreciated the plates 143 serve to increase the surface area of the heat exchanger so that cooling contact with the air is increased.

The entrained dry cleaning fluid within the air which contacts the coils 132 of the heat exchanger 130 condenses and falls into the sump 136 for liquified passage through the outlet 138. After the air passes from the heat exchanger 130 it then flows between the interior of the heat exchangers 130 and alongside the baffle 148. The air then passes downwardly in heat exchanger 140, for heating, to continue the process of stripping the dry cleaning liquid from the fabrics within the receptacle 28.

After a sufficient period of time has elapsed for stripping the dry cleaning fluid from the fabrics in the receptacle 38, the latent heat remaining in the fabrics and receptacle is quite high. As a consequence, if the clothes are then removed as in the prior art or allowed to stay within the receptacle they will crease in an undesirable manner and ruin any permanent press finishes which the garments once had. In order to avoid this undesirable characteristic this invention delivers coolant through pipe 184 to the extension of the cooling coils 142 of the heat exchanger 140. As the coolant is delivered to the heat exchanger, it circulates through the coils 142 and out through the extension 186 and the pipe 190. The delivery of the coolant to the coils 142 of the heat exchanger 140 displaces the latent heat within the coils which existed from the previous introduction of steam to the heat exchanger 140. The coolant drives out the latent heat within the heat exchanger 140, as well as serving to cool the air circulating through the entire system.

As a consequence of the above process, the garments within the receptacle are cooled and much of the latent heat is driven out from the interstices and surrounding area. Furthermore, the receptacle and the surrounding portions of the system whqch have a great degree of latent heat are cooled. This cooling of the fabrics or clothing within the receptacle 28 shall be termed a thermal cooldown process and eliminates the deleterious characteristics of latent heat within garments which are stacked up, thereby avoiding creases and damage to permanent press fabrics.

To convert the heat exchanger 140 from a heating element, the series of valves 208, 210, 212 and 214 are utilized to alternately deliver steam or coolant to the heat exchanger 140. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the lines 166 and 184 are free to admit fluid being delivered to pipe 168. In the instant embodiment, coolant is being delivered to the lines 166 and 184, to provide the thermal cooldown. The condensor coils 132 of the heat exchanger 130 also act to supplement the cooling provided by the heat exchanger 140. The coolant which has been delivered to the respective heat exchangers 130 and 140 is allowed to pass through the respective pipes 174 and 190 by virtue of the fact that the valve 212 is in the open position.

When the rod 226 is lowered by the servo 228, valves 210 and 214 are opened and valves 208 and 212 are closed. This permits coolant to only pass into pipe 166 from pipe 168 and out through pipe 176. The pipes 184 and 190 are free to act as inlets and outlets for steam delivered to pipe 204 through pipe 184 for increased condensation by the heat exchanger 130.

As can be appreciated the heat exchangers 130 and 140 can be fed with any type of coolant, such as water from a cooling tower, a refrigerant, or any other suitable means. Furthermore, the heat for the heat exchanger 140 during the period when the dry cleaning fluid is being stripped from the clothing within the receptacle 28 may be provided not only by steam, but also hot water or any other suitable heating fluid.

In order to remove any deleterious vapors within the receptacle or system, the outlet 156 can be utilized in cooperation with the inlet 158 to blow out the residual vapors. Specifically, the flap 150 can be turned to a horizontal position around its axis 152 thereby preventing passage of air from the heat exchanger 130 to the heat exchanger 140 when the blower 122 is in operation. In this manner, the blower will pull air through the inlet 158 down through the heat exchanger 140 into the receptacle, and through the outlet 156.

The recovery unit can be used as a separate unit or.

can be integrated within the entire dry cleaning system as disclosed herein. Additionally, it should be understood that different heating means can be used in order to effectuate the heating action in alternative relationship with the cooling action of the second heat exchanger. Furthermore, any heat exchange means can be utilized in order to effectuate the alternative cooling and heating.

The foregoing specification is only illustrative of this invention which is to be read in light of the following claims which should be construed broadly, inasmuch as this invention is a substantial step in the art.

I claim:

1. A dry cleaning unit comprising:

a receptacle having a rotatable basket therein for purposes of moving fabrics for cleaning within a cleaning liquid;

means for storing cleaning liquid when it is not being used in said receptacle;

motor means for rotating the basket within said receptacle;

a pump for circulating cleaning fluid through the receptacle, and to and from said cleaning fluid storage means;

recovery means for stripping residual cleaning fluid from fabrics within said receptacle comprising a first and second heat exchange means which can be supplied at least in part with heating fluid and cooling fluid;

a first delivery conduit connected to said first heat exchange means;

a second delivery conduit connected to said first heat exchange means;

a second delivery conduit connected to said second heat exchange means with a valve interposed between said first and second delivery conduit to permit flow through each delivery conduit simultaneously, or only through one or the other delivery conduits;

a first exit conduit from said first heat exchange means;

a second pipe from said second exit conduit to said first exit conduit with a valve interposed therein for allowing exit of fluid flow only from said first exit conduit or in parallel with said second conduit means;

a third pipe connected to said second exit conduit at a crossing with said second pipe and valve for passage of fluid when said second pipe from said second conduit is closed; and,

means for operating said valving so that fluid flows through said first and second entry conduits to said first and second heat exchangers and outwardly therefrom through said first and second exit conduits or alternately so that cooling fluid flows through said first heat exchanger while heating fluid flows through said second heat exchanger.

2. A dry cleaning recovery unit having a receptacle with a rotatable basket for fabrics to be cleaned and means to pass a stream of air therethrough comprising:

a first heat exchanger which can be utilized for cooling the stream of air;

a second heat exchanger over which the stream of air from said receptacle can pass;

means for introducing a heating fluid;

means for introducing a cooling fluid;

valve means for curtailing the flow of cooling fluid to said second heat exchanger while heating fluid is flowing thereto;

valve means to curtail the flow of the heating fluid while cooling fluid is flowing theough said second heat exchanger; and,

means to operate both valve means simultaneously.

3. A dry cleaning recovery unit as claimed in claim 2 further comprising:

a flap for limiting passage of air from said first heat exchanger to said second heat exchanger;

vent means to permitting air to exit directly from said first heat exchanger; and,

vent means for allowing air to directly enter said second heat exchanger. 

1. A dry cleaning unit comprising: a receptacle having a rotatable basket therein for purposes of moving fabrics for cleaning within a cleaning liquid; means for storing cleaning liquid when it is not being used in said receptacle; motor means for rotating the basket within said receptacle; a pump for circulating cleaning fluid through the receptacle, and to and from said cleaning fluid storage means; recoverY means for stripping residual cleaning fluid from fabrics within said receptacle comprising a first and second heat exchange means which can be supplied at least in part with heating fluid and cooling fluid; a first delivery conduit connected to said first heat exchange means; a second delivery conduit connected to said first heat exchange means; a second delivery conduit connected to said second heat exchange means with a valve interposed between said first and second delivery conduit to permit flow through each delivery conduit simultaneously, or only through one or the other delivery conduits; a first exit conduit from said first heat exchange means; a second pipe from said second exit conduit to said first exit conduit with a valve interposed therein for allowing exit of fluid flow only from said first exit conduit or in parallel with said second conduit means; a third pipe connected to said second exit conduit at a crossing with said second pipe and valve for passage of fluid when said second pipe from said second conduit is closed; and, means for operating said valving so that fluid flows through said first and second entry conduits to said first and second heat exchangers and outwardly therefrom through said first and second exit conduits or alternately so that cooling fluid flows through said first heat exchanger while heating fluid flows through said second heat exchanger.
 2. A dry cleaning recovery unit having a receptacle with a rotatable basket for fabrics to be cleaned and means to pass a stream of air therethrough comprising: a first heat exchanger which can be utilized for cooling the stream of air; a second heat exchanger over which the stream of air from said receptacle can pass; means for introducing a heating fluid; means for introducing a cooling fluid; valve means for curtailing the flow of cooling fluid to said second heat exchanger while heating fluid is flowing thereto; valve means to curtail the flow of the heating fluid while cooling fluid is flowing theough said second heat exchanger; and, means to operate both valve means simultaneously.
 3. A dry cleaning recovery unit as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: a flap for limiting passage of air from said first heat exchanger to said second heat exchanger; vent means to permitting air to exit directly from said first heat exchanger; and, vent means for allowing air to directly enter said second heat exchanger. 